Upper Lobby

It’s hard to know what to look at first - the enlarged space, the natural light, the tall ceilings dotted with three crystal chandeliers, paint and carpet colors that echo the dome in the auditorium, or the gold-toned granite counters resting on cherry cabinetry. Digital screens over the concession stand inform patrons of upcoming shows and of the upgraded menu including beer, wine and the new Music Hall chocolate bars.

And, it’s all a result of the collaborative efforts of visionary donors, and a team led by Ben Auger. President of Auger Building Company and the chair of The Music Hall’s Facilities and Restoration Committee, Auger led the effort to dramatically transform the upper lobby, “This process has been quite collaborative – and we have many people to thank who gave of their time and resources to make it happen including Chinburg Builders and Rockingham Electric. And, the Facilities Committee and the Board of Trustees, under the leadership of David Hills, were especially hard working and supportive.”

Patricia Lynch, Executive Director, is thrilled with the latest renovation. She recalls when she arrived in 2004, it literally was raining inside the theater. “I remember thinking that the Historic Theater was like a beautiful woman dressed in an old baggy coat and ruined shoes – but you knew the beautiful woman was trying to get out!”

That thinking informed all five renovation/restoration projects that have been overseen by TMS Architects design team of John Merkle and Nicole Martineau. The first addressed the leaking roof, buttressed the staircases, and revealed the original proscenium arch. The second project brought back the auditorium to its 1878 splendor. The third carved out new space under the auditorium for the Founders Lobby. The fourth rehabbed a space around the corner on Congress Street for the new Loft 124-seat theater and administrative offices. And, the fifth project, which included Diane Hart for interior design, focused on the transition between the Founders Lobby and the auditorium. While renovation projects remain – the backstage, and the final hanging of the chandelier in the auditorium - Lynch feels it’s a great time to stop and celebrate what we have.

“We can all take pride in The Music Hall,” Lynch continues, “it’s an American Treasure and one of the oldest sites in the United States that has seen an amazing parade of artists on its stage. I remember when Patti LuPone was here, she told us ‘you are a lucky theater in a lucky town’ and I think she was right. With vibrant programming from our curators on stage and screen, and now with so many wonderful donors and craftsmen creating more room to mingle in this elegant, innovative lobby, there truly is magic here. Come experience it – see you at The Music Hall!”

The upper lobby renovation is the latest step in The Music Hall’s Treasure the Future capital campaign, which will transform The Music Hall into a performing arts center for the 21st century. The next steps for the campaign include the essential updating and modernization of backstage systems, thus securing The Music Hall’s performance capability and safety; upgrading of the Historic Theater’s façade and windows and recreation of the original chandelier and olio curtain; and the establishment of The Music Hall’s first endowment.

According to Gail VanHoy Carolan, Director of Institutional Advancement, “The upper lobby restoration was a result of the anchor gift of the bar from Ben Auger and Auger Building Company. We were then able to leverage several other vendors, like Rockingham Electric, Chinburg Builders, Silver Lining Painters and a host of others to complete this project. While smaller in scope than some of our other renovation projects, the upper lobby is an incredibly important bridge that prepares you for that step into the theater. The elegance of this space will enhance all that we do and elevates the overall experience of coming to The Music Hall.”

Thank you to our 2014 - 2015 Season Sponsors

The Music Hall is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible not-for-profit organization, managed by a volunteer
Board of Trustees and a professional staff. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.